Riviera Maya Dive Alliance
Ocean Diving
The Riviera Maya located on the shores of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. This 728 km reef system starts just south of Cancun and ends just north of Honduras.
As the coastline changes, so does the reef composition, fish and animals that choose to make ´their house´ in the ocean. This is why the Riviera Maya is such an exciting place to dive and discover as each dive location along the coast provides a different view and look to the reef. All ocean diving is done by boat and is drift diving which is a better option when wanting to conserve the reef system. If anchoring is required for any reason, mooring lines are used so that the reef is protected.
Playa Del Carmen is large coral gardens that ocean divers drift dive over top and are privy to a wide selection of fish and underwater animals. Dive Site Map
Tulum has a long reef system that is full of caverns, small canyons, elk horn coral and some interesting coral formations that can leave a diver mesmerized in one spot for the duration of the dive.
Puerto Morelos is a protected natural park and home to a famous wreck that provides a fun excursion for open water certified divers.
Cozumel, though not officially part of the Riviera Maya city limits, is an important part of the reef system that is very different from mainland diving. Located on the other side of the Caribbean channel, the reef changes to large walls, and different coral types than are found on the main land. This area is also a protected National Park.
This variety of ocean diving is all within 60 minutes by boat, with most excursions located just 20 minutes from shore. This makes for an exciting dive vacation and a variety of experiences that leaves divers open to more learning opportunities and ocean experience.
Cenote Diving
Cave Diving
Bet you did not know the Rivieria Maya had such a load of dive sites and dive secrets. Inquire today to find out what dive vacation packages and dive course options are available while you are visiting the Mexican Caribbean.
Check out our annual Dive Events that are conducted year round for all diving levels.